Quick Hits

EPISODE 3 — Physical Damage Protection Pt.1: Bored Holes, Notches & Metal Framing (300.6(A)–(B))

Slide 1 — Hook "Today: the rules that keep a drywall screw from nailing straight through your Romex."

Slide 2 — 300.6(A) Wood members

• Bored holes: the hole's edge must be at least 1¼" from the edge of the wood member. Can't maintain that? Protect the cable/raceway with a steel plate/bushing at least 1/16" thick, covering the wiring area. (RMC, IMC, rigid PVC, RTRC, and EMT are exempt — they're tough enough already.)

• Notches: same 1/16" steel plate protection rule applies, installed before the finish material goes up — again with the metal-raceway exemption.

• Listed steel plates thinner than 1/16" are allowed if they provide equal or better protection.

Slide 3 — 300.6(B) Metal framing members

• NM cable through metal framing slots/holes: needs listed bushings or grommets covering all metal edges, securely fastened before the cable goes in.

• Where nails/screws are likely to hit NM cable or ENT: needs a steel sleeve/plate/clip at least 1/16" thick (or a listed thinner plate with equal/better protection).

Slide 4 — Quiz + CTA Q: "A bored hole in a wood stud for cable must have its edge at least how far from the edge of the stud?" A) 1/2 in. B) 3/4 in. C) 1 in. D) 1¼ in.

✅ Answer: D — 300.6(A)(1): at least 1¼" (32 mm) from the wood member's edge.

CTA: Follow for more daily quick-hit study notes 📚⚡

← View Chapter 3 Home

← Back To Article 300 Home

← Back To Quick Hits Home